I know I have been criticized for not supporting the huge contracts, but ESPN's article on aging really hits the points I believe. I know this is subscription based, but this short statement "But at age 35, the group averaged 3.4 WAR, and at age 36, it was down to 2.2 WAR" captures the essence of what I see.
As a person who has spent his life guiding people I can tell you the body just does not hold up no matter our attitudes. I do not mind short term big payments, but the league has gone nuts. If this is to avoid the luxury tax this year, it just adds to it in future years.
When I look at the chart that ESPN put together the only players worth some value after age 36 are DHs. "Among all shortstops since 1969, only 10 produced at least 20 career WAR from age 30 on."